Ashwini Mudra

अश्विनी मुद्रा

Energy/HealingEarth

Etymology

Ashwini (अश्विनी) refers to horse, known for strong anal muscle control

Finger Position

No finger involvement - anal sphincter contractions

Duration

1-3 minutes per round, 2-3 rounds with rest between. 10-20 contractions total.

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Muladhara(Root)
Bija Mantra: ASHWA OM
Tarjani(Air)Madhyama(Space)Anamika(Earth)Kanishthika(Water)Angutha(Fire)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

# No hand involvement - anal sphincter technique
# ANAL_SPHINCTER: RHYTHMIC_CONTRACTIONS
# Hands typically in meditation position:

HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: STRAIGHT
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(TOGETHER)

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: STRAIGHT
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(TOGETHER)

Instructions

This knowledge integration gesture enhances learning through specific finger positioning. Research on embodied cognition shows that particular hand positions can improve comprehension and retention by activating knowledge-processing neural networks (Goldin-Meadow, 2011). Formation: Touch thumb tip to index finger tip creating a circle while resting other three fingers naturally extended. Place both hands in this formation on knees palm-up. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with severe learning disabili...

Quick Start Checklist

  • 1Sit with spine straight; hands in meditation pose (Ashwini)
  • 2Gently contract and release pelvic floor muscles rhythmically
  • 3Coordinate with breath; avoid strain
  • 4Practice 10-20 contractions
  • 52-3 rounds with rest

Benefits

Physical

  • Strengthens pelvic floor muscles
  • tones perineal area
  • beneficial for postpartum recovery
  • prevents hemorrhoids and prolapse. Improves digestion
  • promotes regular bowel movements

Mental

  • Increases focus and body awareness

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "strengthening the root center and vital energy" — their terms for how rhythmic pelvic contractions activate the parasympathetic nervous system's foundational stability functions. Practitioners often report that this mudra helps develop what ancient sources called "primal power" — a grounded, vital state that can support core strength and stable life energy from

Clinical Applications

Chronic Pain ManagementElderly CareReproductive Health

Guided Practice

Contract your anal sphincter muscles gently while breathing naturally. This pelvic floor gesture activates core stability and reproductive health through mula bandha engagement (Sapsford, 2004). SAFETY: Those with pelvic floor dysfunction should practice under professional guidance. Avoid forcing contractions or holding breath. Feel how this subtle internal action naturally strengthens your core

Symbolism

Traditional yogic texts describe this as imitating the natural strength of horses - animals known for their powerful hindquarters and stable foundation. Ancient practitioners believed this rhythmic engagement with the anal muscles represented what they called 'awakening root power' - the capacity to

Traditional Uses

Kundalini preparationpelvic strengtheningenergy cultivation
Source: Classical yoga texts